The Miami Urban Future Initiative aims to fill an existing research gap on economic, entrepreneurial, creative, and technological assets in the region. It combines the capabilities of FIU CARTA, led by Dean Brian Schriner, and the Creative Class Group, founded by renowned urbanist Richard Florida. It will leverage existing FIU researchers and experts throughout the institution, as well as leading thinkers and researchers across the region and the world, combining their knowledge with that of business leaders, economic development practitioners, and other experts.

“Miami finds itself at a critical inflection point. Our city builders and leaders need a road map to grow our economy,” says Florida. “We are thrilled that Knight Foundation is investing in the Miami Urban Future Initiative to partner with us in creating a path forward for our growing dynamic community.”

Housed at FIU CARTA’s planned facility at Mana Wynwood, the Miami Urban Future Initiative will be active on several fronts. It will develop a series of ongoing applied research reports about Miami’s economy, convene leading thinkers and practitioners to discuss the challenges facing Miami, and host a fellows program to bring the best and brightest urban thinkers, practitioners, and researchers to Miami. In addition, an executive director will be hired to help drive the ongoing conversation about Miami’s evolving entrepreneurial and creative economy.

“To make Miami a global hub for ideas and innovation, we need to ensure that our decision makers and our community have the information they need to build a more engaging, lasting, inclusive innovation ecosystem,” said Matt Haggman, Miami program director for Knight Foundation. “The Miami Urban Future Initiative aims to do just that by helping to craft a strategic direction for the city that stirs new ideas, illuminates challenges and opportunities, and helps leaders avoid decisions based on outdated assumptions.”

The Miami Urban Future Initiative will formally begin its research activities in September 2017. The initiative is presently seeking matching support to complement Knight Foundation funding and advance ongoing research and engagement plans.

“At FIU, we see growing Miami’s creative economy as a vital effort for moving our community forward as well as creating future opportunities for our students,” said FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg. “Partnering with Knight Foundation and the Creative Class Group to deliver the work of the Miami Urban Future Initiative is our way of helping to accelerate Miami’s ongoing transformation and create solutions to the challenges facing our region.”

Support for the Miami Urban Future Initiative is part of Knight Foundation’s broader effort to invest in Miami’s emerging innovators and entrepreneurs as a tool to build community, while fostering talent and expanding economic opportunity. Over the past three years, Knight has made more than 200 investments in entrepreneurship in South Florida.

About FIU Foundation, Inc.

The Florida International University Foundation, Inc. (FIU Foundation) was established in 1969 to encourage, solicit, receive and administer gifts for scientific, educational and charitable purposes for the advancement of Florida International University and its objectives. (more +)

Thank you to everyone who made it out to our first home Panther Fan Tailgate over the weekend! We hope to see you all this Saturday, 9/14, for our next one before FIU takes on UNH! Register now: https://t.co/g4aFGg288fhttps://t.co/UImdKTeXSp2 days ago 3 8